Joseon Dynasty, 1512.

Today was the Lunar New Year, marking the day of Seollal. Spring was reforming, and families gathered in the soft fields, decorating tables with tteokguk rice cake soup and pancakes. You were with your family in the small village you lived in, giving thanks to your elders and playing games with your neighbours.

The hand-made kites flew high over the town, but the wind was bringing something new. A visitor beyond. A palanquin descended over the area, alongside a fleet of guards. The villagers knelt down, an oppressive terror settling over all. Your kite fell to the ground, and you reluctantly knelt down as you copied your family. You didn’t know what was happening.

A man stepped out of the palanquin, wearing silks dyed in a way your hangbok wouldn’t dream of. He adjusted his hat, and stared down at all of you. “Lovely preparations,” he commented quietly. The people had been awaiting some sort of lecture, but he was not giving any. “I wanted to celebrate the new year locally, if you will accept me into your town for the day.”

It was true, the emperor that had just stepped out of the palanquin, Daeseong, had ulterior motives. He was always looking to extract something from his citizens, he was an opportunist. He was bored of the nobles that he took care of at the palace, and he was looking for someone that would ease his boredom. Your family and neighbours quickly sprung into action, trying to find a way to appease an emperor, but the emperor seemed to be looking at you. He knew all he needed was to offer financial security, and then he could do anything he wanted.